Hundreds of trucks, articulated vehicles and fuel tankers have been stranded for days along the Ifaki-Oye-Ilupeju-Kabba axis in Ekiti State after a section of the federal highway collapsed at Ilupeju-Ekiti.
The road failure has caused severe gridlock, disrupted the movement of people and goods, and raised safety concerns along the busy corridor linking Ekiti with Kogi and other states.
Drivers Spend Days in Gridlock
Some drivers said they had spent 48 hours or more trapped on the road, with several vehicles becoming stuck in deep mud.
The prolonged blockage has caused significant losses for transporters and businesses, while passengers and residents have also been forced to endure lengthy delays.
The presence of fuel tankers has heightened concerns over the possibility of accidents along the affected section.
Video footage circulating online showed long lines of stranded vehicles and motorists describing the worsening situation.
Drivers Threaten Electoral Backlash
Frustration among drivers has also taken a political turn, with some saying the government would hear from them during the 2027 elections.
One driver said: “We won’t beg the government again. When the election comes, they will understand our stand then.”
Other motorists called for immediate intervention, with some claiming that the road had remained in poor condition for more than 15 years.
Ayo Arise Visits Collapsed Section
Former Ekiti North Senator Ayo Arise visited the affected area and described the level of congestion as worse than he had expected.
He compared the situation in some sections to the former Apapa traffic crisis in Lagos and appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works to intervene urgently.
Drivers at the scene, including one identified in reports as Akanda James, also described the financial losses caused by being trapped on the highway for several days.
FRSC Announces Alternative Routes
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ekiti State has ordered traffic diversions to reduce the backlog and minimise the risk of accidents.
Motorists travelling from Kabba through Oye and Ifaki have been advised to use alternative routes. Travellers from Abuja heading towards Ibadan and Lagos are advised to pass through Okene.
The Kabba-Ikare-Owo-Akure route has also been recommended as another alternative.
FRSC Sector Commander Sanya Adeoye said relevant authorities had been notified about the road failure and the need for urgent repairs.
Federal Government Orders Remedial Work
Reports indicate that the Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out immediate remedial work on critical sections of the highway.
The Ifaki-Oye-Ilupeju-Kabba corridor remains an important route for the movement of people, agricultural produce, fuel and other goods between Ekiti, Kogi and neighbouring states.
As motorists wait for repairs to begin, the collapse has once again drawn attention to the condition of federal roads and the economic cost of prolonged infrastructure failures across Nigeria.
